A new study suggests ice baths and cold showers after exercise may help reduce stress, improve sleep and slightly boost quality of life, but the benefits appear short-lived — and more high-quality research is needed.
Does taking an ice bath or cold shower after an intense workout have any real health benefits, or is it all just hype? According to a new study, there’s actually some science that backs this growing trend.
Researchers reviewed 11 previous investigations on cold water immersion involving nearly 32-hundred athletes and wellness warriors.
Overall, the participants reported lower stress, improved sleep and a better quality of life after taking the plunge.
However, researchers found the benefits aren’t long-lasting.
For example, the results showed cold water immersion could reduce stress, but only for about 12 hours afterward. And cold showers may slightly improve quality of life, but the impact fades after a few months.
A link to improved sleep was also noted, but the data was restricted to men.
Surprisingly, the researchers found taking an icy dip causes a temporary spike in inflammation.
One study author says, “Knowing this, people with pre-existing health conditions should take extra care if participating in cold water immersion experiences, as the initial inflammation could have detrimental health impacts.”
More high-quality research is needed to determine who benefits most from cold water immersion and to understand its lasting effects.
Source: PLOS One
Author Affiliations: University of South Australia
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